Mediclinic’s resilience, the trust we have built with our clients and partners, and our ability to seize key opportunities are only possible as a result of our people. Many of whom have worked for the organisation across many decades, entrenching a strong culture of care, dedication and commitment to quality service.
As we look to the future, Mediclinic remains committed to building a sustainable one for all. Our employees, clients, communities, partners and the planet are our priority as we seek to build healthier and happier societies for a better future to drive tangible value for all stakeholders.
In the words of Dr Ronnie van der Merwe, Mediclinic Group Chief Executive Officer, ‘We have a bright future ahead of us. The healthcare landscape is undergoing significant change and the pace of change is accelerating. I am excited by this, because it presents numerous new opportunities for us, and we are positioning ourselves to take advantage of many of these.’
We have touched base with a few of our long-serving colleagues, to find out what they value about their experience and what keeps them committed to caring for our patients.
Phillip Tlhakanye (40 years’ service) | Surgical Stock Controller | Mediclinic Morningside
I began my journey with Mediclinic as a Pharmacy Runner for 3 Months and was then able to move up the ranks. Thinking back to when I started working for Mediclinic, I was worried that I would see patients in pain. I am motivated by the fact that without our patients, our business is nothing – so I need to make sure I give my best to every one of them. The biggest changes I have seen are when the hospital became a Mediclinic facility, and when our whole brand changed to the Mediclinic we have now.
The thing that makes employees stay within the Group is that they plan ahead, and make sure you learn more to empower yourself. Their remuneration is also very good. I have been fortunate to receive mentoring from Doctor Cohen, who is our Pharmacy Manager.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: There is no ‘other career’ option for me as I have chosen to retire at Mediclinic. I am working to reach my destination within the company
Minnie Mouton (35 years’ service) | CSSD Technician | Mediclinic Constantiaberg
I began my career within the Mediclinic as a theatre cleaner and then moved up to CSSD technician within a year. I value the fact that our team is like family, we participated in sports day against other hospitals as well as many other fun activities for the staff. I think that many people invest in a career within Mediclinic because the benefits are consistent – even during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, the employees were taken care of. I am constantly motivated by what we do – always putting our patients first and knowing we can make a difference.
I have appreciated the input of Felicia Marshall, a CSSD technician as well as Matron Wilson in theatre, who have encouraged me to grow. One key thing that I felt was valuable to us as employees was the introduction of a crèche at our hospital, as this alleviated a lot of stress for staff.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: I love working at CSSD – I have been working in the same department for 35 years
Samson George (35 years’ service) | Security Controller – Night | Mediclinic Constantiaberg
My journey with Mediclinic began as a cleaner, and I have worked myself up to my role within the security department. I was encouraged by my very first manager upskill myself, and motivated me to apply for the security controller job. My best memory of working within Mediclinic is an unusual one when we met former president Nelson Mandela when he visited our hospital. I think something that has changed over the time I have been here is the diversity of our teams, which has grown over time.
To me, the things that are important to employees – and why so many of them stay within the hospital group is the great support structure from management and the stable income.
I also think it is important that we are treated fairly and always recognised for the hard work we do. Sometimes in the hospital environment, there is a strong focus only on the nursing department – it is always nice that other departments are also recognised and I am motivated when management shows their appreciation for our work.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: I currently do construction work part–time and would like to have my own construction company one day.
Wimpie Aucamp (32 years’ service) | Group Executive Operational Efficiency | Hirslanden
I joined Mediclinic in 1995 as HR Manager for Mediclinic Sandton. My best memory of my time here is the culture, which has always been special, people really care about each other. I believe that employees stay within Mediclinic because of the caring environment - my values and those of the company are 100% aligned. I am motivated by making a difference in the lives of people, my contribution matters to those we care for. In the time that I have worked within Mediclinic (28 years) the biggest changes for me have been the culture and how we are now a fully international company.
During my time I have been fortunate enough to experience mentorship from many individuals with whom I have worked. Three that stand out to me are Frikkie Burger, Danie Meintjes and Koert Pretorius. Thank you for your guidance.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: I would love to be a developer building and renovating houses!!
Melinda Pelser (28 years’ service) | Marketing Operations Manager | Mediclinic Corporate Office
My career within Mediclinic began when I was appointed as Client Service Officer on 1 September 1995 at Mediclinic Vereeniging. In my time, I have enjoyed the fact that there is never a dull moment and have been challenged in various positions. It helped me to get a great understanding of our business and to be exposed to many facets of the business. I got to know many staff and doctors as well as support services, suppliers and many stakeholders. I have worked closely with hospital management teams and then also inter-departmental colleagues to build amazing relationships over the years.
I love the challenges! The harder the better! Tell me something is not going to work and I will demonstrate to you it can work! I am a natural optimist and always look on the bright side of things. The greatest motivation is most probably the acquisitions of new hospitals and businesses, especially the international expansion and then the re-branding of Mediclinic as well as the organisational restructuring in 2014. Oh, and then came Covid in 2020 and we developed a whole new way of working.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: To be a professional figure ice skater! The beauty of the movement on ice, the physical challenge and endurance it takes and the diligence to master the technique has always fascinated me. I love exercising and it comes with a challenge and can take me places so much better. OR a Television programme presenter or an actress… Choices…..
Suki Sihele Geqe (28 years’ service) | Care Worker Medical Unit | Mediclinic Worcester
In 1995, I joined Mediclinic as a cleaner, and I have worked up to being a Care Worker in the Medical unit. Of my favourite memories, two come to mind quickly. First, the opportunity that the company gave me in 1998 to do the Care Worker course and secondly the Mpilo Trust shares that we received in 2016 which enabled me to build my dream house - with a long passage! The biggest change I have seen is the diversity of cultures that have been introduced.
Mediclinic always goes out of its way to make you feel valued and special. At Mediclinic Worcester you receive a call from Management on your birthday (when off duty) and a birthday gift.
I am proud and grateful for the opportunity to wake up each morning and to be able to come to work. SPN Tertia Heydenrich has been a strong influence and taught me how to observe my patient, which signs to be on the lookout for and when to be alert. I am motivated to persevere through setbacks and set new goals and take action.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: I would choose to be a Care Worker over and over again because I enjoy what I am doing. But if I must choose something else, it will be either to have my own cleaning services or to be the supervisor of our hospital’s cleaning services. I know how to clean!
Niklaas Galant (27 years’ service) | Storeman | Mediclinic Corporate Office
I joined Mediclinic as a porter and looking back a landmark memory for me is the rebranding of Mediclinic in 2011 when key changes took place within the company. I believe that people like me remain committed to Mediclinic because of the different opportunities we have to grow and develop our careers. This is important to be able to advance in your field and I am motivated by seeing the company grow.
I have been lucky to be mentored and supported by Albert Maartens and Annelia Bezuidenhout, who have both taught me through the precision in which they execute their procurement tasks.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: I would probably be a politician – as they seem to have very few cares in this world!
Louise Aylward (25 years’ service) | Nursing Operations Manager | Corporate Office
I joined Mediclinic Kimberley as a Training Consultant, a position now known as L&DF. My best memory of my time in Mediclinic is when my Nursing Manager put me forward for a secondment to the Corporate Office to lead a staffing project. And the Nursing Executive at that time, Estelle Coustas, came to my hospital to have coffee with me and to discuss my interest in a secondment. I had the privilege of reporting to Estelle for more than 10 years. I am a task orientated person, but she demonstrated the value of constantly showing honest interest in people and real humaneness. She taught me how to smile in all situations.
Overall, I’ve found my job interesting and meaningful. Mediclinic offers many development opportunities for those who are willing to do their current job well and who use every opportunity to learn and listen. Mediclinic is always looking for staff who are eager, equipped and willing to take on a new role.
I think the biggest change within Mediclinic is the journey towards digitisation. I experienced the first computers appearing on our desks and how we took a wide birth around those!
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: I aimed to be the shop assistant in the Mediclinic Panorama kiosk. I thought it would be an uncomplicated job and opportunity to offer a kind word (and practice more smiling) to visitors and patients.
Jeanette Lukas (36 years’ service) | Auxiliary Nurse | Mediclinic Worcester
I have been working for Mediclinic for 36 years as an Auxiliary Nurse. I suffer from Arthritis and throughout my career, I received support and understanding from all my colleagues and management. The stability of Mediclinic was important as I was the only breadwinner while my children were still small. I have received amazing support from the nursing staff and management – and I have never felt judged. Things like this make you want to stay with the company.
I am encouraged by how many big changes have happened over the years in the company, we keep getting better. Knowing that each of my patients needs me, and their satisfaction also motivates me.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: I would not change my job for anything. I love being a nurse and being able to help my fellow citizen.
Joyce Radebe (38 years’ service) | Enrolled Nurse | Mediclinic Morningside
I joined Mediclinic in 1985 as a hostess and I am now working as an Enrolled Nurse within the Medical Unit. In my passion for nursing, I give my patients the same treatment I would expect from others – always putting them first. I am motivated by my Unit Manager and my fellow team members – and I look forward to working with them as we all do well at recognising each other.
Highlights of my time here include receiving the Mpilo Trust, where we earned shares from the company. Mediclinic offers us a good salary compared to other companies, and they ensure that the nurses get bonuses, which I think makes employees appreciate them as an employer. During my time in Mediclinic, one of the biggest changes I experienced has been the food process, when it started it was difficult for us to adapt but now we understand the purpose and can serve our clients better.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: I would like to be young again and start all over again, but at the same time I’m happy with the experience I received.
Dr Hennie du Plessis (40 years’ service) Paediatrician | Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt
When I started in practice in 1983 Louis Leipoldt hospital as it was known then, it was located in the present medical centre. At the time a few surgical beds were allocated to paediatric patients. All children with medical conditions were admitted to the children’s ward at Karl Bremer hospital. When plans and models of the new hospital were presented to practitioners, 4 beds were designated to paediatrics. When the children’s ward in Karl Bremer Hospital was no longer available for private patients, the need for a proper paediatric unit in the modern new hospital became a reality and finally the hospital named after the first paediatrician in the Western Cape had its own ward for all paediatric patients. This was one of the major positive events in my career.
A most cherished memory and ongoing experience is of the bond and friendship chiselled out of our time together at Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt with an erstwhile manager. We have an ongoing relationship and even though we do not meet as often as I would like, we share calls and congratulations regularly.
Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
A: If pressed for an alternative I would have cherished a career in music specifically as an operatic baritone who could stand up and sing the role of Wotan in Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen”.
I love my calling which provides me with the opportunity to hear newborn babies cry for the first time in life above all.